Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm Description 

Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis belongs to the mint family.  It is a native of the Mediterranean region and has been dedicated to the lovely goddess Diana.  Like the goddess it is bushy and bright in appearance.  Today, the plant is extensively found in Great Britain, France and North America. The plant got its generic name from its ability to attract swarms of bees. The plant requires the full heat of the sun and a moist, damp soil. Lemon balm owes its name to the fact that it exudes a warm, lemony scent when the plant is brushed against.

As a fragrant herb, lemon balm has a long history of medicinal use. It has been used to treat a variety of disorders ranging from headache to problems dealing with the nervous system.  It has been used as an antiseptic that easily heals wounds.  It was even thought to be effective against snake bites and insect bites. The stem, leaves and flowers of the lemon balm tree are used for medicinal purposes.

What is Lemon Balm Used For? 

Lemon balm has been proved to have beneficial effects on the nervous system. Lemon balm is a very calming herb. The primary use of the plant has been in its ability to restore the joy and zest for life even in the most melancholy of individuals.  It is said that the plant not only helps reduce stress and anxiety, it also sharpens the memory and improves the function of the brain. Lemon balm has been prescribed by herbalists for a good night’s sleep as it aids indigestion and also has a mildly sedative effect.

For thousands of years, lemon balm has provided an effective remedy for nervous problems including migraines, neuralgia, headaches related to tension and stress, hysteria, anxiety and palpitations of the heart.  Due to its famed capacity to heal problems related to the nervous system, lemon balm may have the potential to cure Alzheimer’s Disease, Attention Deficit Syndrome and other hyperactivity disorders.

When hot infusions made of lemon balm are consumed, it induces sweating.  Thus it helps flush out the toxins in the body.  It is even said that a daily infusion of lemon balm promotes a long life.

Lemon balm is considered to be a woman-friendly herb as it helps relieve premenstrual tension and the pain of menstrual cramping. In the fashion industry, lemon balm is an active ingredient in aromatherapy. It helps to relieve and soothe the mind. It is also believed to work wonders on the skin and is therefore used as a mild external skin wash.

Lemon balm is an established remedy for depression and anxiety.  It also has a calming effect on the digestive tract. It therefore effectively combats colic, gas, stomach upset and stomach cramps. Additionally, lemon balm has excellent antiviral properties.  Therefore it relieves pain and itching on the surface of the skin.  It also speeds up the healing of herpes simplex virus which is the cause of cold sores.

Precautions of Lemon Balm 

There are hardly any associated side effects known. However, heavy usage of the herb may lead to insomnia or anxiety.  People suffering from hypothyroidism should use the herb only under strict medical supervision.